— Tension Rises as Minister Orders Halt to Illegal Development
By [Olusegun Ogunkayode]
Tension erupted in the Federal Capital Territory on Monday, 10th November, 2025, following a confrontation between the Minister of the FCT, Nyesom Wike, and personnel of the Nigerian Army over a disputed parcel of land in the Gudu-Gaduwa area of Abuja.
Wike, who was on official inspection, visited the site with officials of the Federal Capital Territory Administration (FCTA), was reportedly prevented from gaining access by armed soldiers said to be guarding the land on behalf of a former Chief of Naval Staff, Vice Admiral Awwal Zubairu Gambo (rtd).
Visibly angry over the development, Wike condemned the action of the military officers, describing it as an act of lawlessness and a direct challenge to civil authority. “You cannot take over government land without due process. The era of impunity is over. I will not be intimidated by soldiers or anyone using force to subvert the law,” the minister stated.
According to the TV news, monitored by our reporter, the Minister immediately ordered a halt to all ongoing activities on the land, directing the FCTA’s Development Control Department to seal off the area until ownership documents and proper allocations are verified.
Sources within the administration disclosed that the disputed land had no valid Certificate of Occupancy (CoO) or approved development plan. The FCTA maintained that all developments in the area must conform with existing regulations and planning approvals.
However, the military sources claimed that the soldiers were acting on “superior instructions” to protect the property allegedly linked to the retired naval chief, a claim that has not been officially confirmed by Defence Headquarters.
The incident has generated wide public reaction, with many describing it as a test case for Nigeria’s commitment to the rule of law and equality before the law. Analysts say the use of armed soldiers to block a serving minister in the line of duty raises serious moral and governance concerns.
Governance expert, Dr. Halima Yakubu, said the confrontation “shows how entrenched privilege and power still influence public administration in Nigeria.” She warned that such acts undermine the authority of civil institutions and send the wrong signal to the public.
Observers also cautioned that the incident could negatively affect Nigeria’s image internationally, portraying the country as one where rule of law is easily compromised by individuals with influence or security connections.
Diplomatic and civil society groups have expressed concern that the episode highlights the fragility of civil-military relations in Nigeria. The presence of soldiers at a disputed private site, they noted, gives the impression that military influence extends beyond its constitutional boundaries.
“This kind of incident can discourage investors who depend on strong legal and regulatory systems,” said a senior diplomat in Abuja. “It raises doubts about how property rights are protected in Nigeria.”
Experts have advised the federal government to strengthen transparency and accountability in land administration to prevent similar disputes. Recommended measures include:- Full digitization and public access to Abuja’s land registry for clear verification of ownership and allocations. Uniform enforcement of land-use laws, regardless of an applicant’s position or status. Stronger institutional checks to sanction illegal land occupation and development and the establishment of a civil-military dispute resolution mechanism to address conflicts involving government agencies and security institutions before they escalate.
They also emphasized the need for the military to respect civil authority, noting that such boundaries are essential to maintaining order in a democratic setting.
The confrontation between Wike and the Nigerian Army over the disputed Abuja land has once again drawn attention to issues of impunity, accountability, and respect for rule of law in Nigeria. As investigations continue, many Nigerians are watching to see how the matter will be resolved, and whether the government will ensure that no individual or institution stands above the law.
